No digital TV in sight for NTL's MMDS customers

No digital TV in sight for NTL's MMDS customers

11 Oct 2002

Regulator, Etain Doyle

The Telecoms Regulator, Etain Doyle has expressed concern, that NTL MMDS customers in Dublin, Waterford, Galway and West Mayo are still denied access to digital television services due to NTL's continued breaches of the terms of its MMDS licences. NTL were required to make a digital service available throughout each of its licensed areas by 1 January 2001.

MMDS (Multipoint Microwave Distribution System) is a cost effective means of providing cable TV services to rural populations using microwave radio links. The current analog system implemented by NTL limits the number of available channels to about ten. A digital system is expected to offer a service similar to Sky Digital and NTL's own terrestial digital TV with over 50 TV channels and interactive services.

The ODTR has been in intensive ongoing discussion with NTL for almost two years about its failure to comply with the terms of the licences. The company has said that it has been exploring all options for providing consumers with digital television via MMDS. "The situation is now intolerable and I am calling on NTL to specifically state publicly by 15 October 2002 by what means and when these viewers will have a full digital service. Failure by NTL to provide the necessary clarity by this date will result in my Office taking whatever steps are appropriate under the regulations".

Advertisements